How Much Office Space For Each Employee?

Allocating enough office space per employee is essential to creating a productive and comfortable work environment. When employees have enough space to move around, focus on their tasks, and collaborate with their colleagues, they are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and perform at their best. 

Employees who feel cramped and crowded in their work environment can become stressed and distracted, leading to lower productivity and morale. Ensuring that employees have the spatial freedom to feel comfortable and personalize their work areas, they are more likely to feel satisfied and happy in their jobs. 

There are several factors to consider when deciding how much office space per person is required in your workplace. These can include the type of work being done, the size of the company, the number of employees, the number of meeting rooms and common areas, and the layout and design of the space. Other factors to consider when determining space requirements for your office may include the need for storage space, the availability of natural light, the need for collaborative spaces, and the overall culture and atmosphere of the company. 

What Is The Average Amount Of Office Space An Employee Might Need?

The average amount of office space per employee can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of business, the company's size, and the space's layout and design. Generally, it is recommended to allow 150 to 200 square feet of office space per person for a standard office environment. However, this is just a rough estimate, and the amount of space needed can vary depending on your specific situation. 

In some cases, companies may opt for a more open office layout, with fewer private offices and more shared workspace. In this type of environment, the amount of space per employee may be slightly less, with an average of around 100 to 150 square feet per person. 

On the other hand, companies that require a large amount of storage space or have many employees may need more office space per person. In these cases, it is not uncommon for companies to allow for 250 to 300 square feet of space per employee.

Overall, the minimum office space per person can vary greatly depending on the company's specific needs. Therefore, it's important to consult with a space planning professional to determine the amount of space needed for your employees. 

For more inspiration, check out our best ideas for creating a minimalist workspace for your team. 

Factors to Consider When Allocating Office Space Per Person

Employee Expectations

Employees may have a number of expectations for their office space, such as ample room to move around, comfortable and ergonomic furniture, access to natural light, and the ability to personalize their work area. They may also expect to have access to storage space for their belongings, as well as common areas for meetings and collaboration. In addition, employees may generally expect their office space to be functional, comfortable, and conducive to productivity. It's important for employers to take these expectations into account when designing and allocating office space.

Keeping Social Distancing in Mind

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly important to consider social distancing when allocating office space per employee. To ensure your employees' safety and prevent the spread of the virus, it is recommended to allow for more space per person than you would in a typical office environment. This may mean increasing the amount of office space per employee from 150 to 200 square feet to 250 to 300 square feet or even more, depending on your company's specific needs. 

One way to achieve this is by rearranging the layout of your office space to create more distance between employees. This can involve moving desks and workstations further apart, creating more open space, or adding additional rooms or partitions to divide the workspace. Another option is to allow some employees to work remotely regularly, which can help reduce the number of people in the office at any given time.

In addition to increasing the amount of space per employee, it's also important to implement measures such as regular cleaning and disinfecting the office, providing hand sanitizer and other personal protective equipment, and promoting healthy hygiene practices among employees. Taking these steps can help keep your employees safe and healthy while maintaining a comfortable and productive work environment. 

Being Flexible

It's important to be flexible and consider the company's and its employees' specific needs. This may involve adjusting the layout and design of the space, providing different types of workspaces, and allowing some employees to work remotely regularly. By taking a personalized approach, you can ensure that each employee has the right amount of space to do their job effectively and comfortably.

The Purpose of Your Office

The purpose of your office and the type of work that will be done there are very important factors for determining spatial requirements to support your business goals and operations. For example, if your office is a manufacturing facility, you may need more space per employee to accommodate large equipment and machinery. On the other hand, if your office is primarily a collaborative workspace, you may need less space per employee and more common areas for meetings and collaboration. 

What Else Can I Do To Optimize Office Space Per Employee?

Quality over quantity can often be a good ethos for making the most out of your allocated space when utilizing office space. Incorporating ergonomic workspaces, efficient office storage and organization, and clutter-free designs can go a long way in making your employees feel comfortable in their workstations.

Ergonomic workspaces can involve adjusting desks and chairs, proper lighting, and easy access to power outlets. You might also consider incorporating standing desks or alternative workstation options, which can reduce many of the health risks associated with remaining sedentary at your desk for long hours and also take up less space. Comfortable office chairs are also a staple.